We Found An Adorable Restaurant In GK That Makes Unfussy & Comforting French Food

Chez Jerome is a lovely little French restaurant tucked into a corner of GK 1’s M Block market, full of  influences and markers of the chef’s dalliances with cuisines of other cultures as well.

When you walk into the salmon-walled restaurant, a cheerful Chef Jerome arrives to greet you with a chipper smile on his face, earrings gleaming in his lobes, and a glass of white at all times in his now-not-so-spare hand. The amalgam of mixed decor on the wall finds its origins not just in quixotic France, but in idyllic Switzerland, with some pickings of the Byzantine empire thrown in for good measure. The menu is something similar, with sections for Chinese and Swiss making guest appearances amidst the more hardcore French food. I, however, mostly stick to all things French, veering in the Swiss direction of cheese fondue only later in the evening {because my love for cheese has a mind of its own}. In case you’re wondering, it was exquisite; a tempered blend of three cheeses, just the right amount of white wine, and a secret liquor the chef refuses to divulge. The opener, an opaque French Onion Soup, served as traditionally as it would be in a little Parisian bistro {with the little bit of bread and melted cheese floating on top}, has an almost homemade quality, and the kind of nice, but not desperately-trying-to-be-fine-dining presentation that makes it look more edible than photographable. The salmon salad, next in the line-up, is fresh and flavourful. The salmon tastes perfect and non-fishy, and the dressing-tossed crisp veggies complement it perfectly. The star of the evening, though is the Chicken Cordon Bleu, with a lovely, textured espagnole sauce, baby potatoes done just right, and a small, undaunting assortment of sauteed vegetables. End with one of the many decadent desserts in the little window by the tables. I chose the Creme Brule {because I always do}, and the Apple Tarte Tatin. The Creme Brulee seems like a classic dessert move, and it holds up, but I favoured the Tarte Tatin, a delicious mix of butter, caramelised apples and pastry. Worth the zillion calories {and they’ll serve it cold, but disobey the chef, if you like – I did – and ask for it to be warmed. It’s heaven}. PS: Do make sure to choose from their selection of wine, because all French food needs a friend. If wine is not your jam, beers and mocktails will come to your rescue.

This is a great place to check out if you’re a lover of French food {but not the pretentious kind}, or if you live in the area and would like new options for your next evening out. Timings: 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.